Queens County Disaster Risk
Queens County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
99th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#2
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
99th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Queens County, New York
Queens faces above-average disaster risk
Queens County scores 99.17 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively High category—well above the national average. This ranking reflects elevated exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and seismic activity. Residents here face notably higher risk than most American counties.
Highest-risk county in New York State
Queens County ranks as New York's most hazard-prone county with a score of 99.17, compared to the state average of 69.42. This 43% gap above the state mean signals Queens as an outlier even within one of the nation's most vulnerable states. Only a handful of New York counties approach similar risk levels.
Far riskier than surrounding boroughs
Queens (99.17) significantly outpaces Richmond County (91.00) and faces roughly 12 points more risk than nearby Rockland County (88.42). Among the five boroughs and closest counties, Queens stands alone at the top of the risk hierarchy. This elevated profile demands immediate attention to hazard mitigation and preparedness.
Flooding and earthquakes top your list
Flood risk dominates at 99.33—nearly perfect exposure—while earthquake risk sits at 98.09, reflecting Queens' coastal and seismic vulnerability. Tornado risk (90.59) also ranks as a significant secondary hazard. Together, these three hazards drive Queens' exceptional composite score.
Flood insurance is not optional here
With flood risk at 99.33, standard homeowners policies won't cover inundation—National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coverage is essential regardless of mortgage requirements. Earthquake insurance should also be evaluated given the 98.09 risk score. Review your current coverage immediately and discuss additional protections with your insurance agent.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Queens County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Queens County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index places Queens County at the 99th percentile nationally — in the high-risk bracket for U.S. counties. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Queens County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 98th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (97th percentile), tornado (91th percentile), wildfire (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Queens County's top hazard at the 99th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. Alongside flooding, earthquake exposure at the 98th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Households across Queens County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Queens County is 29.8 composite risk points above the New York average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Queens County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Queens County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Queens County?
How does Queens County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Queens County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Queens County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.